Dawson Lake Progress : Aug 26, 2009

Bob Chamberland and crew are making great progress with some improved weather conditions moving a mountain of dirt since our last visit. The Goldenrod, Pigweed and Joe Pie Weed are blooming which is a sure sign fall is on the way in the WV mountains.

- Richard Grist

{3 above photos} Show erosion control measures around the dam site. Check dams, silt fence, sediment pond with liners. The ditches were lined with a fabric that contains mulch and seed that will guarantee fast revegetation. The several acres that were seeded and mulched by hand are starting to sprout.

{2 above photos} Show the water pumping station and the water being applied to each lift of dirt that is put down. This brings the moisture content of the dirt from 9% to about 20% for optimum compaction. Water requirements run about 6000 gallons per day.

Dawson Lake Progress : July 20, 2009

Here are a few pictures of the great progress being made at Dawson Lake by Bob Chamberland & Crew. The rain has abated and the weather is just right for dam building.

The keyway for the dam is just about finished and the dam will start to rise. The internal workings of the dam (sand, limestone, culverts etc Will be installed as the dam is built.

The power cable is being pulled through the underground conduit that Bob installed last fall by the Power Company with a crew out of VA.

The hydoseeding that was done last fall is really taking hold and the road banks are looking great.

- Richard Grist

Dawson Lake Progress : July 16, 2009

Work continues on the construction of the dam, it was a great week for Bob Chamberland and crew as they set the concrete basin for the dam.

There were two sets of dam safety inspectors, one set from the State of WV and one set from the Canine Coalition. John James with Terradon is in the straw hat.

- Richard Grist

Dawson Lake Progress : May 22, 2009

Just thought you might like to see Dawson Lake construction getting underway this morning shortly after daybreak. Working on the road that will eventually cross the top of the dam.

- Richard Grist

Dawson Lake Progress : May 19, 2009

Below are some photos of the great progress Bob Chamberland and crew have made in the last three weeks. Today marks the completion of the preparation of the site to begin construction of the Keyway of the dam tomorrow.

- Richard Grist

{above} The large stockpile of high quality topsoil Bob salvaged during the clearing process.

{above} The settling pond that will be below the dam to catch runoff during construction.

{above} How Page Creek that will feed the lake was rerouted so construction of the dam can begin.

{above} Bob Chamberland and Paul Grist standing at what will be the deepest part of the lake at the base of the dam some 30 feet below the surface.

{above} Bob and his crew of skilled operators at the conclusion of the dam site area preparation phase. No woody debris can be left where the dam will be sited or in the soil used in building the dam as it could cause the dam to leak in years to come.

{above} Bob standing on about 1/3 of the amount of sand that will be used to build the internal drainage system of the dam.